Hotz & Partner, a mid-sized German firm with over 40 years of experience, exemplifies the qualities of an ideal BOKS International member—expertise, ambition, and a commitment to global collaboration. Since joining the alliance, the firm has embraced new opportunities, expanding its international reach while remaining deeply rooted in its local market, fostering strong partnerships that drive growth.
1. Can you tell us about yourself and your firm?
I’m Andreas Forrai, one of the Managing Partners at Hotz & Partner. My professional journey began at a Big Four firm in Stuttgart, where I later became a Tax Director at a Next10 firm before joining Hotz & Partner in 2021. Our firm has around 50 professionals across two offices in southern Germany.
2. How has Hotz & Partner evolved since joining BOKS International?
Being part of BOKS International has brought significant value to both our firm and our clients. Many are surprised that we can now provide global services through the alliance, which has become a powerful marketing tool for us.
3. How has being in a global alliance helped you meet your clients’ needs?
While most of our clients are local businesses, we are expanding internationally through the BOKS network. We’re transforming from a provider of “classic” services into a specialised international tax, audit, and legal consultancy. This is only the beginning of our journey.
4. Can you share an example where BOKS helped solve a client’s challenge?
We were recently approached by BOKS Netherlands about a client potentially affected by German transfer pricing regulations. We provided guidance that helped them navigate the issue—and who knows, this Dutch client may eventually become one of ours.
In another case, we are jointly assisting a Dutch company with cross-border VAT matters. It’s exciting to address both tax and legal aspects simultaneously, and as a full-service firm, we can handle all these needs in-house.
5. What value do your domestic clients gain from your access to a global alliance?
Our clients now know that we can support them in cross-border projects. This broadens their perspective and encourages them to explore international business opportunities.
6. Has BOKS membership allowed you to offer specialised services that weren’t previously available?
Absolutely. Simply being able to tell a client that we can connect them with a trusted professional in almost any country with just one phone call is invaluable.
7. How do you leverage the alliance’s reputation and shared values to build trust?
Our clients appreciate that we maintain personal relationships with fellow BOKS members through conferences. This fosters trust and often leads to referrals from clients who share their positive experiences with others.
8. How has the alliance helped you anticipate and adapt to global trends?
Through BOKS, we’ve gained valuable insights—for example, how firms in Asia are managing the post-pandemic return to office work. Sharing these perspectives internally and with clients helps us explore new approaches together.
9. How do BOKS International’s values align with your firm’s principles?
Both BOKS and our firm are in phases of transformation. As a relatively young alliance, BOKS is evolving alongside us, and we see many opportunities to support each other as we move forward.
10. What advice would you give to firms considering joining an international alliance?
Being part of a global alliance opens doors to new opportunities and enhances credibility. But the real value comes from active engagement—building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and integrating the alliance into your firm’s long-term strategy.
BOKS International is a perfect example of how an alliance can provide genuine value—offering not just worldwide connections but also a collaborative and supportive environment that helps firms grow, adapt, and thrive in an increasingly globalised market.
